Survey: seniors rank Milton's services, quality of life

MILTON — The United Way Santa Rosa County has completed its senior citizen survey as part of its contract with Milton to complete a Community Lifecycle Plan.

The survey requested 359 participants’ opinions on availability of services in the city, activities, security and the city’s preparedness to provide for its senior citizens.

Respondents could answer “great,” “fair,” “poor” or “don’t know” to most questions.

Survey results indicated participants were mostly Caucasian, between 65 and 70 years old, with at least a high school diploma and owned their own home. Of respondents, an estimated 63 percent were female.

Here are some of the results:

• Housing: 40 percent of respondents ranked the city poor in affordable rental apartments; 47 percent said they didn’t know if there is affordable housing.
• Senior resources: 74 percent said there are home health and visitation services available. Bill-pay assistance ranked lowest at 5 percent with the next lowest being heavy cleaning at just under 10 percent.
• Nutrition: Just under 54 percent said there were senior and group meal sites.
• Navigating the community: Respondents ranked address and street labeling, parking, handicap accessibility, pedestrian facilities, public seating and traffic light timing fair or poor.
• Transportation: Buses, dial-a-ride services and volunteer drivers also fared poorly with most respondents indicating they didn’t know about these services.
• Exercise: 68 percent said walking and bike paths were available; 55 percent said fitness centers were available.
• Health and wellness outreach: Respondents primarily indicated health outreach was available at health fairs.
• Economics: Respondents said shopping in Milton is mostly fair at 49 percent; 48 percent ranked employment opportunities poor.
• Community preparedness for the aging population: Just under 51 percent said they didn’t know; just under 39 percent said the city is poorly prepared.
• Home security: 55 percent said they feel secure in their homes
• Health care availability: 86 percent said a hospital is available. Alternative medicine ranked lowest followed by mental health and chiropractic availability.
• Future living: Just under 40 percent said they would live at home; 35 percent said they didn’t know.
• Retirement income: Over 91 percent said they plan to live on their social security benefits.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Survey: seniors rank Milton's services, quality of life